Method and system for servicing a heat exchanger

ABSTRACT

A system (100) for servicing a heat exchanger is disclosed that includes a clog detection assembly (108) which further includes a light source (110) configured to be positioned on a first side of a component associated with the heat exchanger and illuminate the component. The clog detection assembly (108) further includes a light detector (112) configured to be positioned on a second side opposite the first side of the component to detect transmitted light and correspondingly generate a first signal. The system (100) further includes a processing device (102) communicatively coupled to the light detector (112). The processing device (102) analyzes the first signal to detect presence of a clog in association with the component. The processing device (102) may further cause a cleaning nozzle to move across the component, to perform a cleaning operation on the component.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to heat exchangers, and moreparticularly to a system and method for servicing a heat exchanger bydetecting a clog in a heat exchanger component and cleaning the heatexchanger component.

BACKGROUND

A heat exchanger component (for example, a Heating Ventilation, andAir-Conditioning (HVAC) coil) installed in the heat exchanger may getclogged with dust and suspended particles in the air on an air side ofthe coil when exposed to air. Clogging may lead to reduced performanceof a heat exchanger system and malfunctioning of the heat exchangersystem further leading to complete failure.

Therefore, for minimizing an impact of the clogging, coils are requiredto be cleaned regularly or whenever the coil gets clogged. However,manual cleaning and maintenance of the coils may require large amount oftime and effort. Additionally, concept of periodic cleaning of the coilsat regular intervals may not be an optimum way of cleaning, as theclogging of the coils depends on varied environmental conditions inwhich the heat exchanger is being operated.

There is therefore a need in the art to provide a compact, aneconomically viable and effective automatic/semi-automatic systemcapable of detecting an extent of clogging on the coils, and thecleaning the coil in a minimal time span.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, a system for servicing a heat exchanger is disclosed.The system may include a clog detection assembly. The clog detectionassembly may include a light source configured to be positioned on afirst side of a component associated with the heat exchanger and furtherconfigured to illuminate the component with a projected light beam. Theclog detection assembly may further include a light detector configuredto be positioned on a second side opposite the first side of the heatexchanger component and further configured to detect transmitted light,in response to the projected light beam transmitting through thecomponent, to generate a first signal corresponding to the transmittedlight. The system may further include a processing devicecommunicatively coupled to the light detector. The processing device mayfurther include a processor and a memory configured to store processorexecutable instructions, which, on execution, may cause the processor toreceive a first signal corresponding to the transmitted light from thelight detector. The processor-executable instructions, on execution, mayfurther cause the processor to analyze the first signal to detectpresence of a clog in association with the component

In another embodiment a method of servicing a heat exchanger isdisclosed. The method may include receiving a first signal correspondingto a transmitted light from a light detector. The light detector may bepositioned on a second side of a component associated with the heatexchanger. Further, the light detector may be configured to detecttransmitted light in response to a projected light beam projected by alight source and transmitting through the component to generate thefirst signal corresponding to the transmitted light. It should be notedthat the light source may be positioned on a first side of the componentopposite to the second side. The method may further include analyzingthe first signal to detect presence of a clog in association with thecomponent. The method may further include moving the cleaning nozzleacross the component along a path upon detecting presence of the clog inassociation with the component. It should be noted that the path may bedefined between a first position and a second position relative to thecomponent. The method may further include causing the cleaning nozzle tospray a clog cleaning agent on the component during its movement alongthe path, from the first position (also referred to as homing positionin this disclosure) to the second position (also referred to as path endposition in this disclosure). The method may further include causing thecleaning nozzle to spray a pressurized fluid on the component during itsmovement along the path, from the second position to the first positionrelative to the component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, togetherwith the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for servicing a heatexchanger, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a block diagram of a system representing a clogdetection assembly including Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) fordetecting a clog present in a component association with a heatexchanger, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for conversion ofluminance to resistance and conversion of resistance to voltage, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a dashboard of a system for detecting a clog andcleaning the clog, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a framework of a system for detecting a clog andcleaning the clog, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram of a sub-system of thesystem of FIG. 4 for triggering detection of a clog, in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram of a sub-system of thesystem of FIG. 4 for detecting the clog, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram of a sub-system of thesystem of FIG. 4 for cleaning the clog, in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a path of movement followed by a cleaning nozzle forcleaning a clog present in association with a component associated witha heat exchanger, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates graphical representations of movement of a cleaningnozzle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart of a method for servicing a heatexchanger, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Whileexamples and features of disclosed principles are described herein,modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possiblewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosedembodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description beconsidered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit beingindicated by the following claims. Additional illustrative embodimentsare listed below.

The disclosure pertains to detection of a clogging condition in heatexchanger components using a light source and a light detector (forexample, a photodiode). For example, a heat exchanger component may be aHeating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) coil. As light fallson the light detector or the photodiode, a voltage divider circuit maygenerate a voltage that may be proportional to amount of light intensityof the light source. Further, a decreasing light intensity may increaseresistance in Light Dependent Resistors (LDR). Resistance is inverselyproportional to the voltage, and thus when light is blocked on the LDRby dust or debris, less voltage may be obtained. A threshold value (forreceived light) may be defined as conditions indicating the presence ofclog. When there is less voltage value than the threshold value of lightintensity, it may indicate that the component may be clogged. Thisindication may be sent to and displayed on a dashboard or any handhelddevice to intimate a user about the clogging, so that cleaning processmay be initiated. Examples of the handheld device may include, but arenot limited to, iPads and laptops).

In an embodiment, cleaning of the clog may be performed in two steps. Ina first step, a spray clog cleaning agent may be used and in a secondstep, an air pressure may be used to remove debris from the clog. Thesteps may be performed by using a cleaning nozzle which may move along apredefined path controlled by a micro controller. Further, an aircompressor or blower may supply pressurized air to the cleaning nozzlevia a multiport valve which may be controlled by the micro controller.The multiport valve may be opened by the micro controller when a clogcleaning agent is to be sprayed for cleaning. Thus, one pipe may accountfor both delivery of gaseous fluid and cleaning agent. After cleaning,the clog debris along with the cleaning agent may be drained through adrainpipe.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a block diagram of a system 100 for servicinga heat exchanger 122 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment.The system 100 may be controlled via a control box hardware or evenremotely using a phone, a laptop, and the like. The system 100 includesa processing device 102, a clog detection assembly 108, and a clogcleaning assembly 116. The processing device 102 may further include aprocessor 104 and a memory 106. The processing device 102 may processinstructions to various modules 108-118 of the system 100.

Further, the clog detection assembly 108 may include a light source 110,a light detector 112, and a transceiver 114. The light source 110 may beconfigured to be positioned on a first side of a component 122 aassociated with the heat exchanger 122 and further configured toilluminate the component 122 a with a projected light beam. It should benoted that the component 122 a may be a coil fin structure. The lightdetector 112 may be configured to be positioned on a second sideopposite to the first side of the component 122 a and further configuredto detect transmitted light, in response to the projected light beamtransmitting through the component 122 a, to generate a first signalcorresponding to the transmitted light. Examples of light detector 112may include but are not limited to a photodiode, a LDR, aphototransistor or any photovoltaic devices. The transceiver 114 may beused to transmit and receive signals to and from the processing device102. The clog detection assembly 108 may be operatively coupled to theclog cleaning assembly 116 via the processing device 102 and the heatexchanger 122.

The processing device 102 may be communicatively coupled to the lightdetector 112 of the clog detection assembly 108. The processor 104 mayreceive a signal transmitted from the light detector 112 via thetransceiver 114 and further processes the signals as executableinstructions to be followed by the clog cleaning assembly 116 upondetection of the clog. Examples of the processor 104 may include, butare not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a controllogic. The memory 106 may be communicatively coupled to the processor104 and store processor executable instructions. The processorexecutable instructions upon execution by the processor 104 may causethe processor 104 to receive a first signal corresponding to atransmitted light from the light detector 112 and analyze the firstsignal to detect presence of a clog in association with a component 122a.

Further, the processing device 102 may interact with a clog cleaningassembly 116. The clog cleaning assembly 116 may further include amulti-port cleaning nozzle 118 and may optionally include a transceiver.In some embodiments, the multiport cleaning nozzle may be referred as acleaning nozzle. The multiport cleaning nozzle may include a multiportvalve, through which a user can choose between a clog cleaning agent(i.e. cleaning fluid) and pressurized air. The clog cleaning agent maybe retrieved from a cleaning agent reservoir, and the pressurized airmay be obtained from a pressurized air source. The multiport cleaningnozzle may include a nozzle that may spray the fluid chose through themultiport valve, via a controller. It should be noted that the clogdetection assembly 108, upon detection of a minimum clog threshold value(i.e. minimum voltage and maximum clog), may send information to theprocessing device 102. The processing device 102 further processes theinformation to the clog cleaning assembly 116. The clog cleaningassembly 116 may be configured to initiate a cleaning process. Themultiport cleaning nozzle 118 upon receiving the processor executableinstructions may move across the component 122 a across a path. Further,the multiport cleaning nozzle 118 may spray a clog cleaning agent on thecomponent 122 a during its movement along the path, from a firstposition to a second position relative to the component 122 a. Moreover,the multiport cleaning nozzle 118 may spray a pressurized fluid on thecomponent 122 a during its movement along the path, from the secondposition to the first position relative to the component 122 a. Thetransceiver of the clog cleaning assembly 116 may be used to receive andsend signals to the processing device 102.

It should be noted that the path may be a predefined a path. The pathmay be defined between a first position (For example, a homing position)and a second position (loop end position) relative to the component 122a. Also, it should be noted that the path may be generated in real timebased on an analysis of the coil area.

Further, upon receiving the processor executable instruction, theprocessor 104 may first obtain a current position of the cleaningnozzle. In some embodiments, the processor 104 may cause the cleaningnozzle 118 to return to the first position, by moving along a resetpath. The reset path may help in protecting the system 100 during asudden power failure/power off/emergency stop condition. The reset pathmay be generated based on a predefined criterion. The predefinedcriteria may be selected from a set of predefined criteria. In someembodiments, the predefined criteria may be a first predefined criteriawhich may be based on a shortest path between the current position andthe first position. Thus, in case of sudden failure, the cleaning nozzlemay quickly reach the homing position. Further, in some embodiments, thepredefined criteria may be a second predefined criteria which may bebased on a quickest travel path between the current position and thefirst position. In some embodiments, the predefined criteria may be athird predefined criteria, which may be based on a least operation timeof one or more motors configured to cause the cleaning assembly 116 movebetween the current position and the first position. In some otherembodiments the processor 104 may cause the cleaning nozzle 118 toresume the path from the current position.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, a schematic diagram of a system 200Arepresenting a clog detection assembly 200 including Light DependentResistor (LDR) for detecting a clog in a component associated with aheat exchanger is disclosed, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The system 200A may include LDR sensors 202. Thesensors may further include a sensor 202 a, which may include a Luxvalue 204 a and a resistance 206 a. Similarly, the system 200A mayinclude a sensor 2 202 b, which may include a lux value 2 204 b and aresistance 2 206 b. Further the system 200A may include sensor 3 202 c,which may include a lux value 3 204 c and a resistance 3 206 c. It maybe noted that number of sensors is not limited to three. Other sensorsmay also be added to determine their average. It may also be noted thatthe lux value may range from 0 to 3000. The system 200A furtherrepresents expended view of the sensor 1 202 a, having lux value 1 204 aand resistance 1 206 a.

The system 200A may include a light source (similar to light source 110)configured to be positioned on a first side of the heat exchangercomponent and illuminate the heat exchanger component. A light detectormay be configured to be positioned on a second side opposite the firstside of the heat exchanger component and receive the light transmittedby the light source upon passing through the heat exchanger. The system200A may be configured to receive a signal indicative of clog extentvalue, compare the clog extent value with a threshold clog value, anddetermine the presence of the clog cleaning based on the comparison.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, a schematic diagram of a system 200B forconversion of luminance to resistance and conversion of resistance tovoltage is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The system 200B may include a voltage divider 208. Thevoltage divider 208 may further include an input voltage (Vin) 210, aLDR 212, an output voltage (Vout) 214, a resistance R2 216. The voltagedivider 208 may activate upon receiving a light of intensity 218. It mayfurther be noted that the output voltage 214 may be determined as perequation, given below:

V _(out) =V _(in)×(R ₂/(R _(LDR) +R))  equation (1)

It should be noted that in some embodiments, data acquisition (DAQ) maybe used for conversion of luminance to resistance and for conversion ofresistance to voltage. As such, a lookup table may be created and usedvia interpolation.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a dashboard 300 of a system for detecting aclog and cleaning the clog is illustrated, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the dashboard 300may be designed using a simulation tool software which are commonlyavailable in the market. Heat Exchanger cleaner dashboard may display aheat exchanger ON/OFF switch 302 a, a Dashboard ON/OFF switch 302 b, aclog detection ON/OFF switch 302 c, a cleaning enable switch 302 d, andan emergency stop switch 302 e. In addition, different light intensityvalues 304 are shown. A light intensity value may be received at theLDRs along with clog percentage 312. A user may verify clog percentage312 once again after the cleaning process is completed. Further, graphs306 for various states of motors and valve controls along with a clogpresent signal 308 and a cleaning status 310 is displayed on thedashboard 300.

In an embodiment, a process flow in automatic detection and cleaning ofthe heat exchanger component may include the steps of: (i) turning OFFthe heat exchanger system, (ii) turning ON the heat exchanger cleaningsystem from the dashboard, (iii) turning ON the heat exchanger clogdetection switch, (iv) detecting clog from dust and debris using lightsource which may be (LED) and LDRs. The detection may be done using afollowing method, where a light intensity may be converted to resistanceusing LDRs. Theoretically, resistance may be converted to voltage usinga voltage divider and after a calibrated drop of voltage, the cleaningprocess may be started. (v) If voltage comes below a calibrated value,the ‘Clog Detected’ LED may turn ON and if display feature is available,a percentage of clog may be detected. Then, the ‘Cleaning Enable Switch’may be turned ‘ON’. On turning the switch ‘ON’ determine whether if thered LED appears indicating the presence of clog condition comes up. Ifthe LED doesn't come up, it implies that the components are not fullyclogged, and the cleaning process need not be initiated. (vi) An‘Emergency Stop Switch’ may be present in the dashboard 300 to shut downthe whole cleaning process in case of any emergency. If this is pressed,the whole cleaning process may be restarted by its own. This feature mayenable the system to reset in case of any sudden power cut or any otherunfavorable situations as well. (vii) Further, for the cleaning processto start first, the system may check for the compact box (containing thecleaning nozzle 118) in a homing position, and if the compact box is notin the homing position, the system may bring it to homing position firstwhich is very necessary for the compact box to start executing thecleaning path. (viii) Once the compact box is in homing position whichis detected by the stop switches, the cleaning process may start. (ix)Further, the cleaning process may make the compact box follow a specificoptimized path to cover a specific coil area. The movement may becontrolled by two motors with help of two lead screw rods. The movementmay start from the homing position and the ending point may also be atsame location. So, while traveling from the homing position, the compactbox may spray a pressurized cleaning agent via a multiport valve andwhile returning the compact box may force pressurized gaseous fluid thuscleaning the coil clog. (x) Finally, after cleaning process, the systemmay be turned OFF.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , a framework 400 of a system for detecting aclog and cleaning the clog automatically is illustrated, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, theframework 400 may include a clog initiation block 402, a clog detectionblock 404, and a clog cleaning block 406. The clog initiation block 402may further include various switches (as illustrated in the dashboard300) including a power switch 402 a, an emergency stop-switch 402 b,HVAC status 402 c, UI clog detection switch 402 d, a cleaning enableswitch 402 e. The framework 400 further includes various signals whichsupports the system to further initiate the detection and cleaning ofthe clog. The signals may include a clog present signal 402 f a cleaningenabling signal 402 g, a clog present signal 402 d, and a detectionenabling signal 402 h. The clog present signal 402 f may signify thepresence of the clog and the detection enabling signal 402 h, maysignify the detection of the clog.

Further the framework 400 may include a clog detection block 404. Insome example embodiments, the clog detection block 404 may include threelux values, i.e. a lux value1 404 a, a lux value2 404 b, and a luxvalue3 404 c. In alternate embodiments, any other number of three luxvalues may be used as well, i.e. the number of three lux values may varybased on the number of LDRs used. The clog detection block 404 mayfurther include the clog present signal 404 d to detect the presence ofclog and a clog percentage signal 404 e, which may represent thepercentage of the present clog (on the dashboard) and compare it furtherwith a predefined clog threshold value. Further the framework 400 mayinclude a clog cleaning block 406, which may initiate the clog cleaningprocess upon receiving the cleaning enable signal 402 g from the cloginitiation block 402. The cleaning block 406 further includes alongitudinal motor I/P 406 a to activate the longitudinal motor 408, alateral motor I/P 406 b to activate the lateral motor 410, a reservoirvalve 406 c, a compressor valve 406 d, and a cleaning status 406 e.Cleaning may be further explained in detail in conjunction with FIGS.5-10 .

Referring now to FIG. 5 , a schematic circuit diagram 500 of asub-system of the system of FIG. 4 for triggering detection of a clog isillustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.In an embodiment, conditions to start detection of the clog may include:(a) The system may be turned OFF before starting a detection and acleaning process as it may hamper an ongoing process, and (b) usershould turn on the switch for auto detection and cleaning. If thecomponents are clogged, then the cleaning system may start cleaning thecomponents and for rest of the time, the system may be at rest. The clogdetection system may be initiated by the user, upon activating theswitches from the dashboard. The sub-system may include a switch forpower 502, an emergency stop switch 504, an HVAC status506, a cleaningenable switch 508, and a clog present signal 510. The power 502, theemergency stop switch 504, the HVAC status506 may activate the detectionenabling signal 514 upon receiving a signal from a UI clog detectionswitch 512. A value at UI clog detection switch 512 may be determined byperforming “AND” operation on values corresponding to the power 502, theemergency stop switch 504, the HVAC status506. Further, the cleaningenable switch 508 and the clog present signal 510 upon activation maygenerate the cleaning enabling signal 516. A value at the cleaningenabling signal 516 may be generated by performing an “AND” operation onvalues corresponding to the cleaning enable switch 508 and the clogpresent signal 510. Further, the cleaning enabling signal 516 and clogpresent signal 510 may be responsible for a clog present signal 518.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , a schematic circuit diagram 600 of asub-system of the system of FIG. 4 for detecting the clog isillustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.With respect to FIG. 6 the clog may be detected using a light source anda light detector which may be a photodiode. According to the lightintensity, an output voltage may be obtained in a processing device And,by iterations over a cleaned component, a value of intensity of lightmay be passed through the cleaned component. Further, when less thancalibrated voltage is obtained, it may be inferred that dust may beclogging the component. After a threshold drop in the voltage, acleaning process may be initiated. As may be appreciated, multiple LDRsmay be used for cleaning the components. Further, an average of them maybe taken for comparison and if found less than the threshold, a cleaningswitch (similar to the cleaning switch 302 d) may be pressed. Hence, thecleaning process may be executed. The sub-system may include LEDs 602,LSR sensors 604, a resistance to voltage block 606.

The LEDs 602 may be used to indicate presence and condition of the clog.The LDR sensors 604 may receive lights of various intensities as aninput including a lux value1 604 a, a lux value2 604 b, and a lux value3604 c, depending on the number of LDRs used. As mentioned above, thenumber of the lux values may not be restricted to 3 and may vary basedon the number of LDRs used according to the requirement. Further, outputof the LDR sensors 604 may be a resistance1 604 d, a resistance2 604 eand a resistance3 604 f depending on the number of LDRs used. The numberof resistances may vary corresponding to the number of lux values, andtherefore may not be limited to 3. It may be noted that an average ofthe lux values and corresponding resistances may be determined. Anaverage resistance value 606 a may be transmitted to the resistance tovoltage unit 606. The resistance to voltage unit 606 may further outputa voltage 606 b. Further, based on the voltage 606 b, a clog percentsignal may be generated, and a clog percentage may be determined.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , a schematic circuit diagram 700 of asub-system of the system of FIG. 4 for cleaning the clog is illustrated,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With respectto FIG. 7 , the sub-system represents a cleaning block and in thecleaning block a counter may be maintained for keeping a count of time.Using the count of time maintained, all the processes of the system forservicing the heat exchanger may be synchronized. Both motors in ‘x’ and‘y’ directions may be synchronized to cover whole area of duct and thusspray cleaning agent to the components (air side) and then clean thecomponents with a pressurized gaseous fluid (e.g., air) spray. In anembodiment, there may be an initial check of homing position beforestarting the cleaning path. In addition, a path for the clog cleaningmay be generated in real time

The cleaning block may include a counter 702 for keeping a count of atime 702 a. The counter 702 may be coupled to motor modules, a cleaningagent reservoir, and a gas compressor valve to initiate their respectivetimely responses. The cleaning block may further include a motor command706, which may further include MotX 706 a, MotY 706 b and a cyclestart706 c. It should be noted that MotX and MotY are negative motion for thecompact box to go to a homing position till the cycle start signal isactuated for the cleaning process startup. The motor command 706 mayfurther receive information from the homing position (the terms ‘homingposition’ and ‘first position’ may have been used interchangeably inthis disclosure) detection block 704. The homing position detectionblock may further include X axis Stop Switch 704 a and a Y axisStopSwitch 704 b. The homing position detection block 704, uponreceiving the processor executable instructions, may command the motorsto locate and move towards the homing position when required.

The motor modules may include a longitudinal motor module 714 which maybe associated with a longitudinal motor 714 a. The motor modules mayinclude may further include a lateral motor module 716 which may beassociated with a lateral motor 716 a. The cleaning block may include avalve key for cleaning agent spraying 718 associated with a reservoirvalve 718 a and a valve key for air compressor 720 associated with acompressor valve 720 a. The system may further include represent acleaning status 708.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , a path of movement 800 which may be followedby the cleaning nozzle (similar to the cleaning nozzle 118) for cleaningthe heat exchanger component is illustrated, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. With respect to FIG. 8 , thecleaning nozzle (within a compact box) may follow a “S type” path tocover the whole component area. In some embodiments, the path may begenerated automatically based on an area of the component. It should benoted that information related to the area (length and breadth), forexample the coil area, may be provided manually. The path shape may beoptimized in case of larger component area in other models. A homingposition 802 may be attained with help of stop switches (for example,the X axis stop switch 704 a and Y axis stop switch 704 b). Further,movement may be controlled using two stepper motors, two stop switches,and two screw rods. As an example, time to cover each horizontaldistance (of the “S type” path) of the component may be ‘5’ seconds andtime to cover vertical distance (of the “S type” path) across thecomponent may be ‘1’ second, based on the lead of screws and speed (RPM)of the motors. Therefore, while going from the homing position 802 (thefirst position) to a path end position (the terms ‘path end position’and ‘second position’ may have been used interchangeably in thisdisclosure) the second position) it may spray cleaning agent and whilereturning it may force gaseous fluid and thus complete the cleaningprocess. The flow of the cleaning agent through the air compressor orblower may be controlled by the multiport cleaning nozzle.

The homing position 802 may be determined by a processing device, acomponent area 804, a path end position 806 (which may be a last workingpoint of the component). It may be noted that the path of movement 800may include a first cycle 808, which may be followed by the cleaningnozzle during the movement from the homing position 802 towards the pathend position 806. Further, the path of movement 800 may include a returncycle 810, which may be followed by the cleaning nozzle during themovement from the path end position 806 towards the homing position 802.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , graphical representations 900 of a movement ofa cleaning nozzle are illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The cleaning nozzle may follow the pathsdepicted by the various graphs for performing the movement of the nozzlevia the motor(s). The graphical representations 900 include a graph 902which represents movement of a horizontal motor throughout the cycle.The horizontal motor may be a longitudinal motor 902 a. Further, thegraphical representations 900 include a graph 904 which representsmovement of the vertical motor (a lateral motor 904 a) throughout thecycle. The graphical representations 900 further include a graph 906which represents a time vs activation graph for the spraying of cleaningagent from the reservoir. The graph 906 may include a reservoir valveactuation value 906 a, which is representative of fluid spray status.The graphical representations 900 may further include a graph 908 whichrepresents a time vs activation graph for the spraying of compressed airfrom the compressor or blower. The graph 908 may include a compressorvalve actuation value 908 a which is representative of compressed airstatus from the compressor.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , a method for servicing a heat exchanger isdepicted via a flowchart 1000, in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 10is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-9 . Each step of the flowchart1000 may be executed by various modules (same as the modules of thesystem 1000).

At step 1002, a first signal corresponding to a transmitted light may bereceived. In particular, the signal may be received from a lightdetector (similar to the light detector 112). It should be noted thatthe light detector may be configured to detect transmitted light inresponse to a projected light beam projected by a light source (same asthe light source 110) and transmitted through a component associatedwith the heat exchanger. Additionally, it should be noted that the lightdetector may be positioned on a second side of the component associatedwith the heat exchanger.

At step 1004, a first signal may be analyzed. The first signal mayanalyzed to detect presence of a clog in association with the component.It may be noted that the analysis of the signal may be executed by aclog detection assembly (analogous to the clog detection assembly 108)and a processing device (same as the processing device 102).

Thereafter, at step 1006, upon detection of the presence of the clog ina cleaning process may be performed to clean the clog detected inassociation with the component. Cleaning may be performed in varioussteps 1006 a-1006 c. At step 1006 a, a cleaning nozzle (same as thecleaning nozzle 118) may be moved across the component along a path. Thepath may be defined between a first position and a second positionrelative to the component. Thereafter, at step 1006 b, a clog cleaningagent may be sprayed on the component during its movement along the pathby the cleaning nozzle, from the first position to the second position.At step 1006 c, a pressurized fluid may be sprayed on the componentduring its movement along the path using the cleaning nozzle, from thesecond position to the first position relative to the component.

The disclosed invention works using LDRs which may detect an amount oflight and may detect that the components are clogged or not. As isknown, that as luminance varies as resistance varies and may be capturedby supplying voltage. Thus, voltage may also vary. After a drop involtage if a user switches to an auto clean, the system may start itsautomatic cleaning process. Further, the components may be cleaned byboth a cleaning agent and pressurized air. Thus, whole cleaning processmay be carried out without human efforts and in a very small span oftime which may be calibrated by altering the codes.

The disclosed invention may enable the disclosed system to be bothretrofitted and when given as an additional feature with heat exchangersystems would be a great impact to business. The system is veryeconomical and may drastically reduce human effort for cleaningpurposes. The system is robust and may need no maintenance of its own.The system may be able to clean the components in minimum amount oftime. Further, the system may involve minimal cost and include multipleLDRs and LEDs, two stepper motors, two lead screw rods, two stopswitches, one compressed gaseous fluid source (e.g., a compressor or ablower) and one microprocessor which can be standard of the self and canbe reprogrammed as per the logic. The system may be robust and thus mayhave no need of maintenance as only a cleaning agent may be filled. Inaddition, no human efforts may be needed for opening the ducts andcleaning manually. The system may be incorporated in the heat exchangersystem itself and thus may be powered from there or may be a separateunit be made for taking the power. The system may be calibrateddepending on availability of light intensity present and may beconfigured separately for smooth detection of foreign particles such asdust and debris. As may be appreciated, if source of compressed gaseousfluid is present, then there may be no need to install a compressor or ablower and thus cost may be very less. Further, a smart application maybe made to clean the components remotely and get notifications onpersonal/handheld or any other devices for cleaning when the componentsare clogged.

It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered asexemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of disclosed embodimentsbeing indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for servicing a heat exchanger, thesystem comprising: a clog detection assembly comprising: a light sourceconfigured to be positioned on a first side of a component associatedwith the heat exchanger and further configured to illuminate thecomponent with a projected light beam; a light detector configured to bepositioned on a second side opposite to the first side of the componentand further configured to detect transmitted light, in response to theprojected light beam transmitting through the component, to generate afirst signal corresponding to the transmitted light; and a processingdevice communicatively coupled to the light detector, the processingdevice comprising: a processor; and a memory configured to storeprocessor-executable instructions, wherein the processor-executableinstructions, upon execution by the processor, cause the processor to:receive, from the light detector, the first signal corresponding to thetransmitted light; and analyze the first signal to detect presence of aclog in association with the component.
 2. The system as claimed inclaim 1 further comprising: a clog cleaning assembly communicativelycoupled to the processing device, the clog cleaning assembly comprising:a cleaning nozzle configured to: move across the component; spray a clogcleaning agent on the component; and upon spraying the clog cleaningagent, spray a pressurized fluid on the component.
 3. The system asclaimed in claim 2, wherein the processor-executable instructionsfurther cause the processor to: cause the cleaning nozzle to move acrossthe component along a path, wherein the path is a predefined path, andwherein the path is defined between a first position and a secondposition relative to the component.
 4. The system as claimed in claim 2,wherein the path is generated in real time, based on the analysis. 5.The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the processor-executableinstructions further cause the processor to: cause the cleaning nozzleto spray the clog cleaning agent on the component during its movementalong the path, from the first position to the second position relativeto the component; and cause the cleaning nozzle to spray the pressurizedfluid on the component during its movement along the path, from thesecond position to the first position relative to the component.
 6. Thesystem as claimed in claim 3, wherein the processor-executableinstructions further cause the processor to: obtain a current positionof the cleaning nozzle; and cause the cleaning nozzle to return to thefirst position, by moving along a reset path, wherein the reset path isgenerated based on a predefined criterion.
 7. The system as claimed inclaim 6, wherein the processor-executable instructions further cause theprocessor to cause the cleaning nozzle to resume the path from thecurrent position.
 8. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein thepredefined criterion is selected from a set of predefined criteria, theset of predefined criteria comprising: a first predefined criteria,based on a shortest path between the current position and the firstposition; a second predefined criteria, based on a quickest travel pathbetween the current position and the first position; and a thirdpredefined criteria, based on a least operation time of one or moremotors configured to cause the cleaning nozzle to move between thecurrent position and the first position.
 9. The system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the light detector is a photodiode configured to:detect intensity of the transmitted light to determine a detectedintensity value, in response to the projected light beam transmittingthrough the component, to generate the first signal corresponding to thetransmitted light.
 10. The system as claimed in claim 9, whereinanalyzing the first signal to detect presence of the clog comprises atleast one of: comparing the detected intensity value of the transmittedlight with a rated intensity value associated with the light source; orcomparing the detected intensity value of the transmitted light with apredefined threshold intensity value.
 11. A method of servicing a heatexchanger, the method comprising: receiving, from a light detector, afirst signal corresponding to a transmitted light, wherein the lightdetector is positioned on a second side of a component associated withthe heat exchanger, the light detector further configured to detecttransmitted light in response to a projected light beam projected by alight source and transmitting through the component, to generate thefirst signal corresponding to the transmitted light, wherein the lightsource is positioned on a first side of the component opposite to thesecond side; and analyzing the first signal to detect presence of a clogin association with the component; upon detecting presence of the clogin association with the component, cause a cleaning nozzle to: moveacross the component along a path, wherein the path is defined between afirst position and a second position relative to the component; spray aclog cleaning agent on the component during its movement along the path,from the first position to the second position; and spray a pressurizedfluid on the component during its movement along the path, from thesecond position to the first position relative to the component.